The good news from last year's struggles is that several younger players gained varsity experience because of the injuries. "We're going to be a little young, with seven underclassmen starting on each side of the ball," second-year coach Bryan Welps said. "Our success this year will depend on how strong we get out of the starting gate. We need to have success early to build some confidence."

Welps has 11 returning staters, including two-way star Keith Finch. As a freshman tailback and linebacker last year, the 6-foot, 205-pound Finch rushed for 700 yards and led the Longhorns defense with 71 tackles.

Finch may play at both fullback and tailback this year with the return of fellow sophomore Jacob Reyna at tailback. Reyna used his 4.5 speed to make a late-season splash in 1998.

Hart Longhorns

Senior Jeremiah Velasquez was pressed into quarterback duties last year because of injuries. He returns after passing for 278 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 350 yards. His top target figures to be all-district receiver Chris George, who had 12 catches last year.

Center Emilio Diaz, a 235-pound junior, returns at center while Dan Eric Castillo, a 200-pound junior, is back at guard. Help will come from 330-pound tackle Fabian Rodriguez and guard Marcial Mendoza.

In addition to Finch, returning starters on defense include George at free safety, Velasquez at strong safety, Reyna at cornerback and Diaz and Castillo in the line. Eric Gutierrez, a 205-pound sophomore, was a part-time starter at nose guard last year.

"We have a great group on defense. Defense is the strength of the team right now," Welps said.

Secondary back Joel De la Fuente and freshman linebacker Leon Minjarez will be key newcomers on defense.

Outlook

The Longhorns will be young, with 14 starting positions filled by underclassmen. The team's top two-way star, fullback-linebacker Keith Finch, is only a sophomore. Because of its youth, Hart needs a fast start to build confidence if it plans on challenging for a playoff berth.